@wpshooter, I’ve been taking Trazodone for 5 years. I didn’t start dreaming a lot, until I added Ropinorole (Requip) for Restless Leg. One thing I will say is that I ran out of Trazodone while on vacation and found I couldn’t sleep. I really helps me!

Sounds like you are saying that it is habit forming or that you may become dependent on the Trazodone to sleep. Have you talked to anyone else who tends to confirm that this medicine may be habit forming ? Thanks.

@wpshooter, It isn’t supposed to be habit forming like so many others. It’s just that I need something to sleep. My Rheumatologist, who diagnosed my Sjogren’s, put me on it, since I was having trouble sleeping. He had me try different doses, until I found what was right for me. He said that it is very important for us to get enough sleep, or we will get worse physically. I didn’t want to take anything, but he convinced me that it was necessary.

@kyjeanne, Is advice to take something like Trazodone something that should be taken on the say of a regular M.D. or should it only be taken if advised to do so by a doctor specially trained in sleep disorders ? My MD is prescribing it for me and I am very hesitant to do this on his advice alone. Thanks.

@wpshooter, Well, my Rheumatologist prescribed mine, but all of my doctors, including the sleep study doctor, know that I’m on it. They have no problem with it. I was hesitant too, but he said it is better to take this than not – for health reasons, and I believe he is right. I don’t regret being on Trazodone at all. I don’t believe it is addicting either. When I was off it for awhile, I bought some Tylenol PM to help in the meantime, although it wasn’t as effective. I did not have any kind of withdrawal symptoms; I just wasn’t sleeping well without Trazodone. I hope that helps.

Hi @wpshooter, I have been on Trazadone for several years. I only take half a pill in order to sleep. I have Sjogren’s, RA, fibro and restless leg. I have been a vivid dreamer all of my life, and I found the Trazadone actually helped to calm down my vivid dreams. I rarely take prednisone – only if I have a really bad RA flare. Prednisone gives me really bad insomnia and makes me hyper (I do tend to really clean and organize when I am on it, so that’s kinda a plus!). I find I do not sleep well without my Trazadone, but that is because my restless legs go wild, my dreams go wild and I feel my aches and pains more. I don’t know that one can get addicted to Trazadone, but I know I will continue to stay on the same since it does help me. Hope this was of help.

@blindeyepug: I ask about it being addictive because I found the following on the Internet:

“But monitoring a patient to decide the dosage is essential, because the drug has numerous side effects when it is abused, and has a potential to be very addictive. As both an antidepressant and a sleeping pill, Trazodone has now become the 17th-most abused drug in the USA.Aug 22, 2014”

Say has potential to be very addictive. But this was found on INTERNET, so should I take this with a grain of salt ?

Thanks.

@wpshooter On Connect, we cannot give medical advice and always advise that you are always in communication with your medical provider, especially when talking about stopping, weaning, or changing medication. However, we do have many members who share similar experiences and patient knowledge, which is a valuable resource. One of the most important things you can do as a patient is advocate for your health, and if that means getting a second opinion that is certainly something a lot of our members do.
Wishing you the best.

@wpshooter I can only speak from my experience (and I also suggest only visiting reputable sites like Mayo Clinic and then sharing what you learn with your doctor). I have not found Trazadone to be addictive in my particular case. It has been very helpful to me, but I do take a rather small dose – just enough to take the edge off so I can sleep. I would be a complete wreck without getting good sleep! Prior to taking the Trazadone, I just could not get restful sleep. I strongly urge you to speak to your doctor or see a sleep specialist. Hope this helps.!

@ @guener My mom has had Chron’s for years (has had two sections of her bowel removed). She is 83 and has been on Mercaptopurine for a number of years now and it has really helped. She was on other drugs – like prednisone – which did not help much and had horrible side affects. She does not seem to have any side affects with the Mercaptopurine. She also take Imodium once in the morning and two at night every day. This combo has greatly cut down on bowel accidents for her. Hope this was helpful.

Both my psychiatrist and M.D. have prescribed this for me and it really helps most nights. I also take requip for restless legs.

Welcome to Connect @lknightb; thank you so much for joining in this discussion.

I also wanted to let you know that we have an active conversation about restless leg syndrome here, http://mayocl.in/2aWCYXq, should you have any questions, or just want to read shared experiences.